Champion mare’s future in doubt
The racing career of New Zealand’s top mare Bonneval is in limbo.
Injury has ended her autumn campaign with time to tell if the multiple Group I winner returns to the track.
‘‘There was some swelling around her fetlock joint this morning and a scan has confirmed a suspensory ligament issue,’’ said Andrew Forsman, who trains the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year with Murray Baker.
‘‘Her CV is very good, she’s achieved an awful lot, and another scan in 10 days’ time will show the full extent of the injury and the prognosis going forward and whether we have another crack in the spring.
‘‘She hasn’t got anything left to prove so we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.’’
The winner of seven of her 12 starts, Bonneval enjoyed an outstanding three-year-old season with her Group I New Zealand Oaks (2400m) victory following successes in the Group II Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (2000m) and the Group III Lowland Stakes (2100m).
She then headed across the Tasman to claim top honours in the Group I ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.
Following a break, she returned to Australia in the spring for a first-up win in the Group II Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) followed by a defeat of Hartnell in the Group I Underwood Stakes (1800m).
Bonneval had been opened up as the favourite for Saturday’s Group I Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m) at Hawke’s Bay.
More positively for the stable, Francaletta and Weather With You arrived safely in Sydney.
‘‘They travelled well and Francaletta will run at Randwick on Saturday week, but we’re not exactly sure which way Weather With You will go heading toward the Derby,’’ Forsman said.
The Group II Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) will open the autumn campaign of Francaletta, whose six career wins include victory over Group I winner Aide Memoire.